End-of-life decision-making for companion animals is one of the most welfare-critical and emotionally demanding aspects of pet ownership, requiring systematic quality-of-life assessment.
End-of-life welfare for companion animals encompasses both the dying process and the decision-making framework that determines when euthanasia is appropriate. The welfare obligation to prevent unnecessary suffering is paramount: allowing animals to suffer through prolonged dying out of owner reluctance to let go is a welfare failure. Conversely, premature euthanasia before adequate quality-of-life assessment denies animals potentially good remaining time. Validated quality-of-life tools provide structure for conversations between owners and vets. The "good death" concept — euthanasia that is calm, painless, and in a familiar environment — is an achievable welfare standard. Palliative care including pain management, nutritional support, and environmental modification extends welfare-positive life before euthanasia becomes necessary.